Addictive Aromatic Cauliflower Pilaf Recipe

This recipe from Mariela Alvarez Toro comes with a warning tag attached to it. By Mariela Alvarez Toro

I am about to blow your mind. But I warn you; you might become addicted to this delicious recipe, once you realize how healthy (and low in calories!) it is. This dish will remind you of rice dishes, maybe quinoa dishes, or even risotto. But it is none of the above.

To be honest, I am not really sure how it occurred to me to make this. But I am glad I did. When I thought about it, it felt like one of those old ideas that has been brewing in your mind for ages, but does not emerged to the surface until the moment is right. I made it for a small group of friends, on a Sunday summer evening, and since, have been making it regularly. Recipes like this make me love vegetables even more, appreciate their versatility and ability to transform.

Its simple preparation is non-equivalent to its complexity in flavor and texture. It is smooth, crunchy, earthy, and aromatic, yet, light and fluffy. The cauliflower is chopped in a food processor until it resembles crumbs. It is quickly toasted with curry powder and cumin. The cauliflower is then cooked with a pinch of salt and a little bit of vegetable broth. From here on you are free to do as you wish. Add whatever you feel like, from corn, to peas, to tomatoes. And as the seasons change, you can add butternut squash, potatoes, sweet potatoes. Anything, really! The dressing is quintessential. This delicate miso-mustard dressing adds depth in flavor, and a creamy texture to the whole dish.

I am keeping it springy, by adding radishes and peas, and a handful of cilantro for freshness.

Re-welcome cauliflower to your life as a not so salad-y vegetable that can fool anybody. It fooled all of our friends

Recently graduated with from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design. She has recently completed “People in Food-Space”, an ethnographic study on the cultural production of taste in space. She has also examined post-soviet food production systems and housing projects in Havana, Cuba. Originally from Puerto Rico, Mariela has been living in the United States for eight years. She has involved herself in both teaching and practice, while writing on food at tastyplan.com. Her goal as a food writer is to cook creatively, using the best ingredients to find new flavor combinations every day.

Hey Frances. Can you eat chickpeas? I love to roast them with a little bit of salt, pepper, olive oil for about 30-35minutes in a 400 degree ove, until they turn golden. They are packed full of protein, and have less fat that nuts. I think it is a good substitute. Enjoy!2